Dragon protesters tested weapons, court hears

Protesters affiliated with the radical opposition group known as the "Dragon Slaying Brigade" were accused of engaging in firearm testing in Sai Kung in November 2019, the prosecution said at the trial of the first case in the city under the anti-terrorism laws.

The trial involves seven suspects who are accused of planning to detonate bombs and use firearms to target the police during the Human Rights Day march on December 8, 2019.

The six male defendants - Cheung Chun-fu, 24, Cheung Ming-yu, 21, Yim Man-him, 22, Christian Lee Ka-tin, 25, Lai Chun-pong, 30, and Justin Hui Cham-wing, 25 - have all pleaded not guilty.

They have also pleaded not guilty to an alternative charge of conspiring to cause explosions likely to endanger life or cause significant property damage, as well as murdering police officers. Also, Lee faces a charge of possessing arms and ammunition with the intent to endanger life.

The sole female defendant, Lau Pui-ying, 24, has pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiring to provide or collect property for committing terror acts.

According to fiat counsel Juliana Chow Hoi-ling, there are Telegram chat records between technician Ng Chi-hung and Wong Chun-keung - the alleged masterminds.

The records indicate that Ng, along with Lee, Lai, and Hui, went to Sai Kung to test firearms under the guise of hiking in the early hours of November 17. Ng sent Wong three videos showing shots fired toward the grass. The two also discussed preparing diesel.

In February, both Wong and Ng pleaded guilty.

On November 14, 2019, Lai mentioned on Telegram that he had been unable to obtain "materials" from a building at Baptist University. Chow clarified that the defendants were referring to "chemicals to make bombs."

On November 27, 2019, a video was sent on Telegram, showing an attempt to use detonators.

"Ng was responsible for making the bomb, with Wong seeking additional help," Chow said.

Another defendant in the case, David Su, who had previously pleaded guilty, was designated as the gunner responsible for randomly firing shots from above during the march. Chow explained that once Su had fired shots, he would be picked up by others in a vehicle which would be burned at a designated "drop zone" in Clear Water Bay.

Regarding Lau, between August 1 and December 9, 2019, Lau's bank account, PayMe and Jockey Club gambling account received 938 incoming transactions totaling over HK$2 million, with some HK$1 million later transferred to Wong's account.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com